Lower extremity exercise wedge

ABSTRACT

A lower extremity exercise device for performing strengthening exercises for the calf muscles, as well as for performing static or dynamic stretching of the calf muscles. The device is preferably configured to have a generally wedge-shape positionable upon a flat surface. The wedge defines an upper, inclined platform surface for receiving the foot of a user, and has a rounded base portion having an asymmetric, gradually increasing radius to allow the user&#39;s foot to smoothly roll or rotate the device forward when pushed thereagainst. In use, the device allows for natural, relative rotations between the forefoot pivot-point and the ankle joint in the sagittal plane.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 61/784,680, entitled LOWER EXTREMITY WEDGE, filedMar. 14, 2013, all of the teachings of which are incorporated herein byreference.

STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND

Exercises for strengthening and stretching the calf muscles arewell-known in the art. Generally, calf muscle exercises involve calf“raises” where an individual raises his or her heel up into the air bypushing up on the balls of the individual's feet. Typically suchcalf-raises are performed with the individual assuming a standingposition, although calf-raises may be performed with the individual in aseated position. To increase the range of motion, the individual maystand such that the heels of the individual extend off the ledge of astep or stair to thus increase the linear range of motion the individualcan raise and lower the individual's heel, which thus in turn increasesthe length the calf muscles can transition from extended to flexedpositions.

Numerous other exercises are well-known and frequently employed todevelop the strength of calf muscles. Exemplary of such further priorart exercises include jumping exercises, such as box jumps and evensimply jumping rope, that deploy a repetitive jumping motion to targetthe calf muscles. Alternatively, a number of squatting and pullingexercises are frequently performed, such as the dumb-bell jump squatsand various dragging or pulling exercises whereby the individual iscaused to walk or jog on the balls of the individual's feet.

Problematic with all such calf strengthening exercises is the linearnature of such exercise whereby the calf muscles are only worked along acommon axis without any regard to an individual's natural motion, or themovements and shift of a person's weight that comes with performing astanding calf raise. Moreover, many of the aforementioned prior artexercise are high-impact in nature, and thus are well-known to increasethe risk of damage and/or injury to the individual, and most notably tothe individual's ankles and knees.

With respect to stretching the calf muscles, such process typicallyinvolves little more than an individual leaning into a wall or othersturdy support with arms stretched out at chest level with theindividual extending one or both legs rearwardly with his or her kneesstraight, with the heel or heels still in contact or in as close contactwith the ground as possible. While effective, such stretching motion islikewise linear in nature, as discussed above, and does not take intoaccount the individual's natural movement or range of motion that occurswith standing or weight bearing plantar flexion, much less the shift ofthe individual's center of mass that occurs as the individual's weightshifts from leg to leg during a walking or running motion. Suchconventional stretching action likewise does not accommodate the shiftin weight that occurs from the heels to the balls of the feet of theindividual during such walking or running motions.

There is thus a substantial need in the art for an exercise device thatcan be utilized to strengthen calf muscles that does so in a way thatapproximates the natural movement and range of motion of an individual'sfoot and ankle relative the lower leg as would occur during walking orrunning. There is likewise a need in the art for a device that can beutilized to facilitate the stretching of calf muscles that accommodatesthe individual's normal range of motion, and particularly so withnatural plantar flexion motion and how such motion fluctuates withchanges in an individual's center of mass during walking, or runningforward, jumping motions and the like. There is yet a further need forsuch a device that is of simple construction, easy to use, isexceptionally effective and efficient for use in performing calfstrengthening and stretching exercises, substantially minimizes, if noteliminates, impact, and is compact and easily transportable in nature.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The present invention specifically addresses and alleviates theabove-identified deficiencies in the art. In this regard, the presentinvention is directed to an exercise device for use in performingstrengthening exercises for the calf muscles, as well as to providestretching exercises for the calf muscles. According to a preferredembodiment, the device is fashioned as a wedge having a generallytriangular profile having a rounded base portion for performing arocking-type motion via the user's foot. In this regard, the devicedefines an inclining upper platform surface upon which an individualpositions his or her foot. The generally wedge-type shape, which isspecifically designed and configured to have an asymmetrical, increasingradius extending from the rounded base portion to the forefront of theplatform surface, is operative to cause the upper platform surface totransform from its upwardly-extending incline relative level ground, pera first position, and roll forward about rounded base portion such thatthe upper platform surface can rock forwards and backwards such that theplatform surface can perform see-saw like movements in a second activeconfiguration. According to a preferred embodiment, the rounded baseportion is defined by a gradually-increasing radius as measured from theupper platform surface extending thereacross. The forward-most portionof the platform surface defines a working resistance range of theplatform that can preferably range from 7-10 inches, with 8-9 inchesbeing preferred. In addition, the radius of the rounded base portiongradually increases, which according to a preferred embodiment increasesby a factor of approximately 50% from the starting point to end point ofthe individual's full plantar flexion motion (i.e., a standingcalf-raise) while the individual stands on the platform.

To perform static calf stretches, the individual places a respective oneof his or her heels at the back of the platform surface while the deviceis in its first resting position such that the individual's foot andtoes extend upwardly along the incline, whereby the user transitions hisor her weight on that foot. To perform dynamic stretching andcalf-raises, the individual places his or her forefoot in front of thefulcrum (i.e., the forward-most portion of the upper platform surface)and performs a forward rocking motion thus causing the device tocorrespondingly roll about the rounded base portion towards its secondactive position. To create the desired resistance, the individual canadjust the exact placement of the foot upon the upper platform surface.

The device may be made from a variety of materials and may furtherinclude optional mechanisms to limit the range of motion the devicerotates as may be desired for certain applications, including physicaltherapy and rehabilitation purposes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These as well as other features of the present invention will becomemore apparent upon reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is an elevated perspective view of a lower extremity exercisedevice constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 2 is a frontal view of the exercise device of the presentinvention.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the exercise device of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the exercise device of the present inventionfurther showing the general dimensions and the asymmetrical, variableradius incorporated as part of the device design of the device.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the exercise device of the present inventionillustrating the foot and leg of a user positioned thereon andillustrating the corresponding motion of the device corresponding to theplantar flexion of the foot positioned thereon.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description set forth below is intended as a description ofthe presently preferred embodiment of the invention, and is not intendedto represent the only form in which the present invention may beimplemented or performed. The description sets forth the functions andsequences of steps for practicing the invention. It is to be understood,however, that the same or equivalent functions and sequences may beaccomplished by different embodiments and that they are also intended tobe encompassed within the scope of the invention.

Referring now to the drawings, and initially to FIG. 1, there is shown alower extremity exercise device 10 constructed in accordance with apreferred embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, theexercise device 10 is fashioned generally as a wedge defining an upperplatform surface 12 extending upwardly via sidewall 14 operative todefine a generally triangular profile having a rounded base portion 18.Such rounded base portion 18, discussed more fully below, is operativeto enable the device to transition from a first resting position, asshown, whereby the platform surface 12 extends in an upwardly-inclinedmanner, and roll forward about rounded base portion 18 such that theupper platform surface 12 can rock forwards and backwards such that theplatform surface 12 can perform see-saw like movements in a secondactive configuration.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a frontal view of the device 10assuming the first position, which shows body member 18 at the foremostportion of the device 10 flanked by side walls 14 and 16 and definingthe upper platform surface 12 atop thereof in the first position. FIG.3, which shows the rear view of the device 10, illustrates how the upperplatform surface 12 inclines upwardly from the rear portion, as shown,and towards the front of the device 10 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

As will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art, the device10 may be fabricated from any of a variety of durable materials utilizedin the field of exercise and physical training, physical therapy,rehabilitation and the like. In this regard, and as discussed more fullybelow, the device 10 is operative to fully support the weight of a userstanding thereon, as well as the ability of the user to perform plantarflexion motions and exercise motions, such as calf raises, whilestanding on the device 10. Accordingly, it will be readily appreciatedby those skilled in the art that the robustness and durability of thewedge given its use in exercise and weight-supporting applications mustbe appreciated.

Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a side view of the device 10illustrating the various dimensions and structure thereof. According toa preferred embodiment, the top platform surface 12 will be sized andconfigured to receive the foot of an individual thereon, as well assupport the weight of an individual standing the device 10. According toa preferred embodiment, upper platform surface 12 will have a lengthranging from approximately 18 to 24 inches. Per the preferredembodiment, the upper platform surface 12 will have a length ofapproximately 19-22 inches defined by a first forward-most portion 20having a length ranging from 7 to 10 inches and a rear platform portion22 having a length ranging from 9 to 15 inches. In a more highlypreferred embodiment, upper platform surface 12 will have a length ofapproximately 20.5 inches whereby first forward-most portion 20 willhave a length ranging from 8 to 9 inches, with 8.5 inches being mostpreferred, and a rear platform portion 22 having a length ranging from11.5 to 12.5 inches, with 12 inches being most preferred. At thejuncture between upper platform portions 20 and 22 is point 24, whichdefines upwardly extending arch 26, the latter having aprogressively-expanding radius as shown by radii 28, 30, 32, 34respectively. According to a preferred embodiment, the upwardlyextending arch 26 will have a beginning radius of 28 that will rangefrom 5 to 7 inches, with 6 inches being preferred. The radius 28 willbecome progressively larger to radius 30, 32 and ultimately 34, thelatter preferably having a length of approximately 1.5 times longer thanbeginning radius 28.

By virtue of such design, the application of force or pressure forwardof point 24 will result in a forward rocking motion. Alternatively,application of force behind point 24 results in no rocking, but ratherthe lifting of an individual's heel off the platform 12, discussed morefully below. To achieve the optimal design of the device 10 as shown, itwill be understood that angles A and B will be formed at theforward-most and rear-most ends of the device 10 as shown. Byconstructing the device 10 in the aforementioned manner, angle A willthus form an acute angle ranging from 70 to 90 degrees and angle B willrange from 20 to 40 degrees.

Key to the invention is the rounded base portion 18, defined bygradually extending arch 26 which provides the rocking motion of thedevice 10 when in use, will gradually increase as the device is rotatedforward. In this regard, such increase is illustrated by virtue of thedifference in the length between radius 28 of semicircle 26 and length20 defining the length of the upper portion of platform surface 12.Using the gradually increasing radius along body portion 18 during theforward rocking motion of the device 10 is essential to the utility ofthe present invention. Insofar as such feature creates a mechanism thatoffers a broad range of resistance for performing calf raise exercises;placing one's foot further back on the platform surface 12 of device 10offers greater resistance while placing one's foot more forward offersless resistance.

Such feature likewise provides counter-resistance against two innate,biomechanical mechanism which would otherwise propel the user's centerof mass too far forward and render a constant-radius device useless. Thefirst biomechanical mechanism involved is gait initiation whereby thebody moves its center of mass forward in order to load the calf musclein preparation of forward locomotion and yet remain in a balancedupright position. The second biomechanical mechanism is the motion ofthe ankle joint as it rises and moves forward in a circular path aboutthe forefoot during a standing calf-raise. The forward distance whichthe ankle joint moves, relative to the forefoot pivot point isapproximately 40% of the distance from the ankle joint to the forefootpivot point while standing at rest. In similar fashion to gaitinitiation, the action of the ankle joint moving forward requires theindividual's center of mass to move forward as well.

The device 10 was made to allow for the natural, relative rotationsbetween the forefoot pivot-point and the ankle joint in the sagittalplane. Since no other part of the body is attached to any other piece ofhardware, as would take place with a conventional gym machine, theuser's legs, hips and torso are free to rotate about their normalvertical axes. The device 10 can be made with different ranges of radiito accommodate any foot size. The ideal starting radius should besimilar in magnitude to the distance from the ankle's axis of rotationto the ball of the foot. Too small a radius would reduce the device to asimple rocker board; too large a radius and resistance would be toogreat for the device to be functional. The device is made with astarting radius of approximately 6 inches to match a generalized oraverage foot measurement and to account for the added elevation due towearing running shoes while using this device.

The purpose of this device is to negate the need for or considerationof:

1. A large heavy object against which one needs to push while extendingan individual's leg(s) behind them in order to achieve a calf musclestretch;

2. gym machines with shoulder harnesses and static platforms forperforming calf-raise exercises;

3. flexibility of an individual's shoes which hinder movement throughthe full range of ankle dorsiflexion and plantar flexion motions whileperforming calf raises;

4. an individual's shoes slipping off an edge such as a curb or block orother platform while performing standing calf stretches or raises; and

5. the need to “hook” an individual's forefoot over the edge of a curbor block to keep from slipping off during the duration of the stretch orexercise.

With respect to the use of the device, as illustrated in FIG. 5, thesame is believed to be readily apparent to those skilled in the artwhereby the foot of the user 30 is positioned upon the upper platformsurface 12 of the device 10 as shown. The device 10 is to be used onefoot or leg at a time in order to employ one's own body weight as thesource of resistance. To perform static calf stretches, one would placetheir heel at the back of the platform 12 and shift his or her bodyweight on that foot. To perform dynamic stretching and calf raises, onewould place his or her forefoot in front of the fulcrum (forward of thecenter point 24) and adjust exact placement for the desired resistance.By simply performing plantar flexion, the device 10 correspondinglytransitions from first to second positions and thus provides for theaforementioned benefits to be realized.

Advantageously, the device 10 is thus capable of enabling an individualto perform a variety of static and dynamic motions that are vastlysuperior to prior art exercise and stretching techniques thatpurportedly target the calf muscles. Not only is such device 10 wellsuited for general stretching and exercise applications, the same mayalso be readily used for physical therapy and rehabilitation purposes.Along those lines, and not illustrated in the drawings, it is understoodthat any of a variety of mechanisms and modifications may be made so asto limit the rocking motion of body member 18 in a manner illustrated inFIG. 5 so as to limit the range of motion and, where appropriate, focuson specific types and degrees of stretching as may be desired for aparticular application, most notably those in physical therapy andrehabilitation purposes that would not necessarily seek to utilize thefull range of motion offered by the device 10 of the present invention.As will further be appreciated, to the extent necessary to achieve awider range of motion and/or exceptionally large feet (e.g., forprofessional athletes and the like), the platform surface 12, side wallportions 14, 16, and body portion 18 may be proportionately enlargedrelative one another so as to accommodate specific strength and trainingneeds.

Also, although depicted as a solid body member 18, it is understood thatside wall portions 14, 16 may be operative simply to define side walls,rails, supports and the like about which upper platform 12 will rotatein a manner illustrated by FIG. 5 and thus achieve all of the desiredresults specified herein without the need for portion 18. Similarly,body portion 18 may be formed integral with or simply attachable toupper platform surface 12 and may desired for disassembly, easymanufacturing and shipping, and space efficiency. The device can also bemade to be solid or hollow in nature.

Additional modifications and improvements of the present invention mayalso be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Thus, theparticular combination of parts and steps described and illustratedherein is intended to represent only certain embodiments of the presentinvention, and is not intended to serve as limitations of alternativedevices and methods within the spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A lower extremity exercise device operative tostrengthen and stretch the calf muscles of an individual comprising: a.a platform surface sized and adapted to receive the foot of anindividual; b. at least one side wall member formed beneath said upperplatform surface and defining a wedge-shaped profile having a roundedbase portion; and c. wherein said device is operative to position saidplatform surface in an upwardly inclined position relative level groundin a first resting position and to rotate about said rounded baseportion in a second active configuration such that said platform surfacecorrespondingly performs see-saw movements, said transition from saidfirst position and second active configuration corresponding withplantar flexion of said individual's foot positioned upon said upperplatform surface.
 2. The device of claim 1 wherein said upper platformsurface has a length extending from 19 inches to 22 inches.
 3. Thedevice of claim 2 wherein said upper platform surface has a length ofapproximately 20.5 inches.
 4. The device of claim 3 wherein said roundedbase portion is characterized by an upwardly extending arch having aprogressively expanding radius, said radius having a length between 5-7inches.
 5. The device of claim 4 wherein said radius has a length ofapproximately 6 inches.
 6. The device of claim 4 wherein said radiusprogressively expands from a first minimum length to a second maximumlength, said second maximum length being 1.5 times said minimum length.